Dermatologists warn teens and parents about social media skincare risks

Specialist dermatologists Dr Lauren Knight and Dr Tarryn Jacobs say hormonal changes during puberty often trigger oily skin and acne, but poor skincare advice online is increasingly making the problem worse.

They say teenagers, and their parents, should focus on simple routines rather than copying influencer-led skincare trends.

Why teenage skin changes during puberty

According to Knight, hormonal shifts during puberty are the main driver of teenage skin problems.

She explained that rising androgen levels increase oil production in both boys and girls, which can lead to acne.

“The skin becomes a bit oilier… and then it can progress to acne, whether mild early acne or more severe nodular cystic acne,” she said.

While acne is a normal part of adolescence, Knight warned that it should still be treated properly to avoid long-term consequences.

Untreated acne can lead to scarring and hyperpigmentation, which can affect teenagers well into adulthood.

The psychological impact can also be significant.

Social media skincare trends raising concern

Dermatologists say a growing concern is the influence of skincare content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Jacobs said many teenagers, some as young as nine or 10, are copying complex skincare routines promoted by influencers.

“We are seeing young girls… using products that are inappropriate or using these multi-step routines,” she said.

In clinics, this often leads to irritated skin and allergic reactions.

Doctors are increasingly treating teenagers for problems such as contact dermatitis and perioral dermatitis, a rash that appears around the mouth and sometimes spreads toward the eyes.

The simple skincare routine teens should follow

Dermatologists recommend a basic skincare routine for teenagers, especially those without serious skin problems.

The key steps are simple:

- Cleanse

- Moisturise

- Use sunscreen

Jacobs said building healthy skincare habits early is important, but it should focus on skin health rather than appearance.

“It should be framed in a way that is health-focused… much like brushing your teeth or eating a healthy diet.”

Additional steps, such as exfoliating or using toners, are usually unnecessary unless there is a specific skin concern.

Why ‘natural’ skincare is not always safer

Parents often look for natural products for their children’s skin, but dermatologists warn that natural ingredients are not always safer.

Knight said many people wrongly assume natural products cause fewer reactions.

“Natural ingredients aren’t often as stringently tested as our chemical options,” she said.

“They are often common allergens or irritants.”

Instead, dermatologists recommend choosing gentle products and avoiding unnecessary ingredients.

When teenagers should see a dermatologist

Parents should consider professional help if acne becomes severe, painful or begins to scar.

Early treatment can reduce long-term damage.

Doctors say acne scarring is one of the most difficult aspects of treatment later in life.

“Scar management is probably the hardest aspect of acne management,” Knight said.

She added that sun protection and targeted treatments can help improve scars, but preventing them by treating acne early is far easier.

Picking pimples can worsen acne

Dermatologists also warned against the common habit of picking pimples.

Jacobs said this behaviour is particularly common among teenage girls and can worsen acne and increase the risk of scarring.

Doctors say the best solution is to treat the acne effectively so the urge to pick decreases.

Advice for parents of teenagers

Dermatologists say parents should guide teenagers toward simple routines and evidence-based skincare rather than influencer trends.

They also recommend regular habits such as washing pillowcases weekly and avoiding overly complicated routines.

The key message for both teens and parents is clear: healthy skin does not require complicated or expensive skincare, just the right approach for teenage skin.

For more information, listen to Knight and Jacobs using the audio player below: